Gender Discrimination in of Mice and Men

Gender Discrimination in Of Mice and Men

One of the main concerns in of mice and men is gender discrimination. In reference to the reading material, the word sexism means discrimination based on a person’s gender or biological sex. In the novel, one of the main victims that reflects gender discrimination is Curley’s wife. While the male characters are well developed in the novel, Curley’s wife only appeared intermittently in the plot line of the story. According to the feminist theory, during the time of Great Depression, women were believed to be weaker, less intelligent, sex and their main role in life is to be a house wife. The author portrayed her as an unhappy individual, who was view as the sexual objective, and feels bitter about her life. The writer of the novel also gave her a tragic ending that she was accidentally killed in the farm by Lennie.

Quote: “Don’t you even take a look at that bitch. I don’t care what she says and what she does. I have seen 'em poison before, but I never see no-piece of jail bait worse than her. (Steinback, 54). The quote reflects that male characters in the farm are disrespectful to Curley’s wife, by describing her rudely. George used the word ‘Bitch’, a derogatory term to describe Curley’s wife. The reason that he uses the term is that he sees Curley’s wife comes across as a flirt, which will get the man into trouble.

Quote: “Why aren’t you tell her to stay the hell home where she belongs?” (Steinback, 90) The quote reflects the gender discrimination issue in society by the time the novel was written, as it correspondent with the feminist theory in the reading, it is the social norm that women should stay at home instead of working outside.

Quote: “Ranch with a bunch of guys on it ain’t no place for a girl, especially like her.” (Steinback, 78) Even though Curley’s wife works and lives on the farm as the other male characters, she has never been accepted and fairly treated by the males. She was not allowed to talk to other people without being called a flirt or tart, and the final result of her being discriminated leaves her feeling lonely, and at fault for her own death.